Injection of youth should help Charleville atone for last year's PSHC disappointment
Charleville's Conor Buckley about to grab the sliotar despite the challenge from Sarsfields' Killian Murphy during the Red FM SHL match in Sarsfields. Picture: Howard Crowdy
Having reached the RedFM Division 1 Hurling League final in 2024 – only to fall short against Sarsfields – matching that success in 2025 was always going to be a challenge. But Charleville came impressively close. Just a single point separated fifth from second in the final standings, and the north Cork outfit finished with five wins from nine.
What sets Charleville apart, though, is their refusal to rely on any one individual.
Their star man Darragh Fitzgibbon was – as expected – absent for the entire campaign, but an early season injury to Jack Doyle has left James Kennedy’s side without two crucial players. Various injuries since have added to the setbacks, but the squad embraced the opportunity – and delivered a season built on balance, consistency, and impressive squad depth.
Remarkably, wing-back Rob Carroll ended the league as their top scorer. While he did take a fair share of placed balls – and his goal came from a penalty – his all-around performances have been exceptional. He featured in all but one game, contributing more than just scoring – but defensive strength.
Charleville’s scoring spread was as wide as it was impressive. Of the 31 players used this season (including two goalkeepers), 20 registered scores. Eleven of those hit double digits across goals and points, and nine different players found the net.
It reflects a campaign that has further developed a well-rounded squad.
They’ve had a number of breakthrough players within that. Seán Bresnan, who captained Charleville CBS in last year’s Harty Cup campaign and scored 3-2 from midfield against St Joseph’s Tulla has stepped into adult hurling with ease. Playing primarily in midfield, he contributed a brilliant 0-13 from play and is a near-certainty to feature heavily in the upcoming championship.
Alongside him, when fit, Andrew Cagney and Conor Buckley have performed consistently, while Gareth Gleeson has kicked on in a big way, finishing with 2-7 from play.
The younger generation is adding real value too. Cork U20 Zach Biggane has made a big impression when available – his 0-10 total includes two points from play in their final-round clash with Carrigaline. Another from last year’s minor crop, Kristian O’Gorman, has shown promise and sharp decision-making, scoring 0-4 (0-1f) and impressing with his distribution.
In defence, Darren Butler and Jack Meade have been quietly effective, while Tim Hawe chipped in with 1-5 up front despite limited minutes.
Charleville’s 2024 championship campaign ended in disappointment – especially after such a promising league showing – but that bitter finish could serve as valuable motivation this time around.
Their group for this year’s championship includes Midleton, Newtownshandrum, and Newcestown.
On paper, third might seem like the ceiling, but the introduction of players like Bresnan and Biggane changes the dynamic.
There’ll be no shortage of hunger when they face Midleton, who dismantled them last year, and the local rivalry with Newtown is sure to sharpen their focus. The potential is there. If Charleville can keep their key players healthy and build on the unity shown in the league, a knockout-stage push is well within reach.
Rob Carroll 1-22 (0-12 f, 1-0 pen, 0-3 65), David Forde 1-20 (0-9 f), Jack Doyle 1-19 (0-9 f, 0-1 65), Conor Buckley 1-15, Andrew Cagney 0-16 (0-7 f), Sean Bresnan 0-13, David O'Riordan 2-8 (0-5 f), Gareth Gleeson 2-7, Darren Casey 3-2, Zach Biggane 0-10, Danny O'Flynn 1-7, Gavin Kelleher 0-7 (0-1 f), Tim Hawe 1-5, Alan Dennehy 0-4 (0-2 f), Kristian O'Gorman 0-4 (0-1 f), Cathal O'Carroll 0-4, Brian O'Connell 0-2 65, Jack O'Callaghan 0-2, Oisin O'Connell 0-1, James O'Brien 0-1.
Jack Doyle, David Forde, Sean Bresnan, Darren Casey, Robert Carroll, Conor Buckley, David O'Riordan, Andrew Cagney, Gareth Gleeson, Alan Dennehy, Tim Hawe, Kristian O'Gorman, Gavin Kelleher, Danny O'Flynn, Zach Biggane, Brian O'Connell, Cathal O'Carroll, James O'Brien, Conor Reynolds, Darren Butler, Jack Meade, Jack Kilcommins, Jack Buckley, Cian Collins, Michael O'Flynn, Shane Liddy, Killian Cagney, Jake Madigan, Oisin O'Connell, Finbarr Cagney, Jack O'Callaghan.
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